Sous Chef 16

I had a Cuisinart 12 that I got a good 5 years out of about 10 years ago. I also acquired it for free as an employee perk when the department store I was working at closed down. Floor model. The plastic housing at the top shattered one day when I was putting the lid on. I got a Breville 12 for Christmas a few years back. It's a workhorse and I rarely use the full bowl (there's only 2 of us). I use the mini, inner bowl all the time, at least once a week, sometimes more. I'm also much more respectful of the tool, hand wash only, no banging it around.  The base is rather heavy. That's my only negative comment on it.

So I was looking at the wrong side of the device, I have what they call "Sous Chef 16 Pro". I also do not trust it to actually fit 16 cups of shredded anything. It would go above the closed lid. 

It was a Christmas present and my MIL likes to dote a bit on the daughter she never had. It's lasted a good while though, and I don't expect to need another... ever, really  So amortized over a decade, it's rather reasonable.

I have both. I think you’d be happy with either machine.

The Breville one I got, I was able to add additional blades. The dicing blades are very cool. The Breville one feels more powerful and smoother. I think you’d be happy with either one. If I had to pick one it would probably be the Breville. When I was considering purchasing the Breville I watched a lot of YouTube video reviews to help me decide in case that is of any help to you. Happy to answer any specific questions you have.

Either machine can do any food processing task you throw at them. The motor power is noticeably better with the Breville. The Breville has a blade specifically for dough; it does just fine with dough. The Breville has optional blades for making diced cubes of vegetables that are not an option with the Cuisinart.

The Breville is a clear step up from the Cuisinart, although 16 cups is quite large. The only brand I’d put on the same level as the Breville is Magimix and they have a great 14 cup model. If you have the budget, I’d definitely go for the Breville or Magimix. The Cuisinart is also a solid machine and a good value for money though—just not as powerful or well-designed and with fewer accessories.

If budget isn’t a problem, Magimix is fantastic and checks all your boxes Breville is also very good but in the price range Cuisinart if you want something cheaper. Still good (and good value), but a marked step down from the other two

Breville is Australian ofc and makes a top notch food processor (much better than Cuisinart), although it’d probably stretch your budget. Food processors are something you should do right or not at all though.

Depends what you already have really. I already have basically this kit (mines older), a stick blender with a tiny food processor attachment. Even ended up with double all the bits when the motor gave out in warranty and they sent me a whole new box instead of just the motor. https://www.kenwoodworld.com/en-au/triblade-xlplus-hand-blender-hbm60-307gy/p/HBM60.307GY Also already have a normal blender and a large food processor with a small insert. An older version of this: https://www.breville.com/en-au/product/bfp810 So I was already well covered. If I didn't have either, I'd probably grab the stick blender. Because if you didn't already have it and weren't looking for it, I'm not recommending the $800 food processor over the $100 stick blender for your purpose...

Just wanted to pop in and say thanks again for the advice! I bought the Breville Sous Chef 16 Pro, and settled on a replacement pitcher for the Vitamix. The Breville is slightly bigger than I expected but it’s so worth the extra space with how well it is made. The box with all the blades is super sturdy and I am sure it wakka stand up to a few years of use and abuse. I had the opportunity to use it several times last week including making pasta sauce, pie dough, salsa, and pesto and it was worth every single penny. It turned out to be slightly more than the Cuisinart, but given it had that handy storage box it made the most sense. Thanks again for your thoughtful and detailed reply, you helped make this chef a very happy man at work!